Bill 75 2013

An Act to amend the Health Insurance Act with respect to celiac disease screening

Note: This Act amends the Health Insurance Act.  For the legislative history of the Act, see the Table of Consolidated Public Statutes – Detailed Legislative History at www.e-Laws.gov.on.ca.

Preamble

Celiac disease affects nearly one percent of Canada's population.  It is a condition in which a person's immune system reacts negatively to gluten in the diet, causing damage to the person's small bowel and reducing their ability to absorb nutrients.  Over time, this can lead to vitamin deficiencies that deprive the person's brain, peripheral nervous system, bones, liver and various organs of vital nourishment.   

Celiac disease is associated with type 1 diabetes, down syndrome, thyroiditis, arthritis, ataxia, depression, neuropathy, infertility and osteoporosis, as well as other serious health conditions. 

For the initial detection of celiac disease, a simple and accurate serologic test can be used, including the IgA-human tissue transglutaminase test and the endomysial antibody test.

While a small intestinal mucosal biopsy remains the "gold standard" for confirming the diagnosis, the initial detection of celiac disease is extremely important.

Once the disease is identified, in most cases, it can be effectively managed through a gluten-free diet.  Early diagnosis and treatment of the disease increases the chances that damaged tissue will heal and reduces the possibility of long-term complications.

Increasing access to serological testing will improve the likelihood that Ontarians living with celiac disease will be identified and treated.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

   1.  Section 11.2 of the Health Insurance Act is amended by adding the following subsection:

Same, celiac disease screening

   (1.1)  Screening for celiac disease through the use of the IgA-human tissue transglutaminase test or the endomysial antibody test is an insured service for the purposes of the Act.

Commencement

   2.  This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

   3.  The short title of this Act is the Health Insurance Amendment Act (Celiac Disease Screening), 2013.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill amends the Health Insurance Act by making screening for celiac disease through the use of specified tests an insured service under the Act.